Folk faith and Baroque art in the heart of Conversano
Church and Convent of the Holy Medici
A place of age-old devotion amidst spirituality, art, and architecture
Among the places of worship in Conversano that are richest in history and charm, the Church and Convent of Saints Cosmas and Damian hold a special place: the Church and Convent of Saints Cosmas and Damian.
This religious complex, imbued with popular spirituality and decorated with Baroque richness, represents one of the most authentic expressions of the city's cultural and artistic identity. Even today, the church is a pilgrimage destination and a focal point for the local community.
A Baroque jewel born from devotion
The present building was constructed in the 1630s at the behest of Count Giangirolamo II Acquaviva d’Aragona, known as ’the One-Eyed Man of Puglia’, and his wife Isabella Filomarino, both of whom were deeply devoted to the patron saints.
The project involved transforming the ancient Romanesque church of San Matteo into a new building inspired by the Neapolitan Baroque style. Paolo Finoglio, one of the leading painters of the time, was commissioned to oversee the work.
Although his untimely death in 1645 prevented him from completing the work, his pupils carried on with the project, leaving behind an artistic legacy of great value.
From the outside, the church has a simple façade, built of solid limestone, which is reminiscent of Romanesque architecture.
But it is only upon crossing the threshold that one is overwhelmed by the Baroque splendour: vaults adorned with gilded stucco, vibrant frescoes, monumental altarpieces and a strong presence of Finoglio’s paintings.
Organisation, crests and symbols of history
At the entrance to the church, on the right, there is a Baroque choir loft with a second organ, designed to be accessible to everyone. The first organ, in fact, is located in the women’s gallery, which is reserved for the use of the cloistered nuns.
In the past, stone coats of arms could be seen above the entrances to the church and the convent; these were symbols of the nobility’s power and of the Acquaviva family’s influence on the religious life of the village. These heraldic emblems reinforced the link between faith and political authority, but were removed following the abolition of feudalism in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, to mark the end of that rule and the beginning of a new era for the Acquaviva family.
The complex, which is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural life of the community, remains a centre of popular devotion to this day, particularly during the festivities dedicated to the Holy Doctors.
ℹ️ Visiting information and times
📍Via San Benedetto, 20
🕰 Opening hours:
- 10.00-12.00
- 17.00-20.00
For updates on opening hours and guided tours, please contact the Info Point.
📞 +39 080 495 6517
✉️ Email: iat@comune.conversano.ba.it
* Please note: The Church of San Cosma is closed on Tuesdays.
Why visit
This church is not merely a place of worship, but a true Baroque gem that preserves the artistic and spiritual heritage of Conversano.
Stepping inside the Church of the Holy Doctors is like taking a journey through time, amidst frescoed vaults, gilded decorations and symbols steeped in meaning. Every corner of the building bears witness to the community’s deep devotion, the influence of the Acquaviva family and the talent of artists such as Paolo Finoglio.
It is an experience to be savoured with keen eyes and an open heart, where faith blends with art, and every detail — from the stucco work to the frescoes, from the heraldic symbols to the historic organs — offers a glimpse into the culture of 17th-century Apulia.
